Portable Beverage Container Holder Device and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally provides a portable beverage container holder device for allowing users to easily transport and use beverage containers of varying sizes and shapes, such as cans, bottles, or cups. In most embodiments, these could allow the user to carry multiple beverages at one time easily. It is ideal for servers at restaurants and bars and for home parties. It may also aid in the elderly or handicapped in being more able to carry beverages, food cans, bottles, and jars.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is co-pending Provisional Patent Application No. 62/667,805 filed on May 7, 2018, which are incorporated by reference here in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally a portable beverage holder and method for use thereof, and more specifically to a portable beverage holder system including handle and retractable beverage container holder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing beverage and beverage-container holders are limited in size and shape and generally can only handle certain beverage containers, such as the standard “(Koozie®)” for holding cans. Further, these beverage container holders do not do anything to help users carry more than one beverage. What is needed is a multi-functional beverage container holder which can hold any type of beverage container and increase the user's ability to move beverages.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a beverage container holder with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a portable beverage container holder device for allowing users to easily transport and use beverage containers of varying sizes and shapes, such as cans, bottles, or cups. In most embodiments, these could allow the user to carry multiple beverages at one time easily. It is ideal for servers at restaurants and bars and for home parties. It may also aid in the elderly or handicapped in being more able to carry beverages, food cans, bottles, and jars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an individual holding a multiple beverage container holding apparatus embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2a is an illustration of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the beverage holding apparatus with the bit-stable spring mechanism (spring metal or polymeric strips) and an insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) in an open configuration ready to receive a beverage container.

FIG. 2b is an illustration of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the beverage holding apparatus partially indenting the bi-stable spring mechanism (spring metal or polymeric strips) and an insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) with a beverage container.

FIG. 2c is a top illustration of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the beverage holding apparatus partially indenting the bi-stable spring mechanism (spring metal or polymeric strips) and an insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) with a beverage container.

FIG. 2d is an illustration of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the beverage holding apparatus with the bi-stable spring mechanism (spring metal or polymeric strips) and an insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) in a closed encapsulated configuration holding a beverage container.

FIG. 2e is a top illustration of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the beverage holding apparatus with the bi-stable spring mechanism spring metal strips (slap-wrap) and an insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) in a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container.

FIG. 3a is an illustration of the metal springs (slap-wrap) covered with a thin layer of a flexible material such as Lycra® that can display branding marks on its surface. Also depicted are two elastic bands that can optionally be looped around the insulation material apparatus ((Koozie®))or vertically across the beverage side of the insulation material apparatus ((Koozie®)) and then hooked onto receiving hooks on an attachable handle.

FIG. 3b is an illustration of the handle and an insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) with elastic bands attachment mechanism, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4a is an illustration of an individual hand positioned to use the multiple beverage enclosure holding embodiment of the present invention to use the engagement hooks to affix a series of beverage enclosure holding apparatuses. FIG. 4a is an illustration of an individual hand positioned to rapidly gather together multiple randomly placed portable beverage holders

FIG. 4b is an illustration of the multiple beverage enclosure holding embodiment of the present invention with the engagement mechanisms affix forming a central support with a closed wrist, palm and fingers to nest the series of beverage enclosure holding apparatuses together. FIG. 4b is an illustration of and individual's hand having clutched together multiple portable beverage holders, such that their handles automatically nest together to form a single unified handle for easy, ergonomic carrying of multiple drinks. The center of gravity of the drinks is centered in the middle of the hand's grip, providing maximum ergonomic weight distribution. The broken line depicts the approximate position of the wrist joint, in order to illustrate how close the weight is to the wrist, for reduced torque on the wrist, in comparison with traditional multi-drink carrying apparatus, such as trays.

FIG. 4c is an illustration of the multiple beverage enclosure holding apparatus embodiment of the present invention showing a close-up view from underneath showing how the specific shape of the handles enables a series to automatically nest together when grasped in the hand.

FIG. 5a is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a permanent structure with specifically designed beverage holders.

FIG. 5b is a bottom illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a permanent structure with specifically designed beverage holders showing drainage ports for easy cleaning.

FIG. 6a is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention beverage enclosure holding handle having a pair of slots for holding and attaching the insulation material apparatus ((Koozie®)) to the handle having a concave enclosure receiving surface with an optional shelf.

FIG. 6b is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention beverage enclosure holding handle having a pair of slots for holding and attaching the insulation material apparatus ((Koozie®))to the handle having a concave enclosure receiving surface with an optional shelf in position to receive a beverage enclosure.

FIG. 6c is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention beverage enclosure holding handle having a pair of slots for holding and attaching the insulation material apparatus ((Koozie®)) to the handle having a concave enclosure receiving surface with an optional shelf in a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container.

FIG. 7a is a rear illustration or another embodiment of the present invention utilizing a bi-stable spring mechanism (spring steel or polymeric straps) with an end portion using rivets or similar attachment means to engage the bi-stable spring mechanism (spring steel or polymeric straps to the insulation material apparatus (Koozie®).

FIG. 7b is a front illustration of another embodiment of the present invention utilizing a bi-stable spring mechanism (spring steel or polymeric straps) with an end portion using rivets or similar attachment means to engage the bi-stable spring mechanisms (spring steel or polymeric straps to the insulation material apparatus (Koozie®). For clarity, the insulating material apparatus ((Koozie®)) is not depicted, but would normally be glued or otherwise bonded to the spring metal strips

FIG. 8a is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container and affixed with a permanent or removable bet clip.

FIG. 8b is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container with the permanent or removable clip separated and showing recessed areas for enclosing metal surfaces or magnets that will exert an attraction to corresponding magnets or metal plates attached to the rear of the insulation material apparatus ((Koozie®)).

FIG. 8c is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container with attached magnets, affixed by rivets or screws or other means to the bi-stable spring mechanism. Said magnets can be used to temporarily attach the insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) to the depicted belt clip or to other magnetically attractive metal surfaces, such as may be incorporated into refrigerators, vehicles, boats and chair arms.

FIG. 8d is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container with magnet affixing means for a permanent or removable belt clip with an optionally folding support shelf.

FIG. 9a is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a clamp mechanism for attaching to an appropriate structure, such as a chair arm or table edge.

FIG. 10a is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container and affixed with a specifically designed wire handle mechanism.

FIG. 10b is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container and affixed with a specifically designed wire handle mechanism in folded closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

Common Components and Technology to All the Embodiments of the Beverage Container Holder

The handle can be fabricated from a number of polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polybutylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modified styrene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polypropylene, or nylon. The handle can be fabricated from metallic materials such as brass, brass alloys, steel, galvanized steel, titanium, copper, and copper alloys.

The spring steel (slap-wrap) is a name given to a wide range or steels, and in some cases, polymeric materials, used in the manufacture of springs, prominently industrial suspension applications. The steels are generally low-alloy manganese, medium-carbon steel or high-carbon steel with a very high yield strength. This allows objects made of spring steel to return to their original shape despite significant deflection or twisting. The spring steel (slap-wrap) strip material is a thin sheet of steel used to provide its shape in a straight configuration. Generally, one horizontal part of spring steel slap-wrap is slanted and is a little smaller than the entire band and once you bend the circumference somewhat, it automatically twists and wraps itself around the beverage container. The spring steel (slap-wrap) strip material generally has a curved cross-sectional shape, which helps it maintain a straight configuration, such as is employed with tape measures to keep them from buckling when extended Pressure against a section of the spring steel (slap-wrap) strip material flattens this cross-sectional shape, causing said strip to rapidly revert to a coiled configuration. The polymeric material the mimics the spring steel generally will be from the thermoplastic group Throughout this patent application, the term used for the spring steel or polymeric (slap wrap) will be referred to as “bi-stable spring mechanism” In the various embodiments of the invention, the handle component is configured such that when a vessel such as a can, bottle, drinking glass or cup is pressed against the insulating material apparatus ((Koozie®)), the outer edges of the handle hold their position against the slap-wrap strips while the concave cavity or open area in the center provides a space into which the slap-wrap strips can deform, thus facilitating the automatic closure of the insulating material apparatus (Koozie®) around said vessel.

The term “Koozie®” is generally an insulated covering for beverage containers, used to shield a chilled beverage from warming by warm air or sunlight. There are secondary uses which include identifying one's beverage from another and for marketing. By imprinting on the insulated beverage container, as an insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) branded product, many different companies use the product as a promotional item because it is not only inexpensive to manufacture, but its frequent use is more likely to bring the company's name to a household presence. Generally, a specifically designed logo or image is screen-printed onto a thin, flexible fabric such as Lycra®, which is then glued or bonded to the back or outside surface of the insulation material apparatus (Koozie®). While neoprene and foam may be the most common material for custom insulation material apparatus (Koozie®s), there are many other options to consider, including denim, burlap, yarn, polyurethane. PVC, rubber and polyester.

There are several affixing and adhesive materials that can be utilized with the present invention. 1) Mechanical adhesive materials fill the voids or pores of the surfaces and hold surfaces together by interlocking. Other interlocking phenomena are observed on different length scales. 2) Chemical adhesive consists of two materials that form a compound at the joint. The strongest joints are where atoms of the two materials share or swap electrons (known respectively as covalent bonding or ionic bonding, respectively). 3) Adhesive bonding, also known as gluing or glue bonding, describes a bonding technique by applying an intermediate layer to connect substrates of different types of materials. The commercially available adhesive can be organic or inorganic and is deposited on one or both substrate surfaces. 4) Screw technology is a type of fastener, in some ways similar to a bolt, typically made of metal, and characterized by a helical ridge, known as a male thread (external thread). Screws are used to fasten materials by digging in and wedging into a material when turned, while the thread cuts grooves in the fastened material that may Kelp pull fastened materials together and prevent pull-out. There are many screws for a variety of materials; those commonly fastened by screws include wood, sheet metal, and plastic. 5) A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener. Before being installed, a rivet consists of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head on one end. The end opposite to the head is called the tail. On installation, the rivet is placed in a punched or drilled hole, and the tail is bucked (i.e., deformed), so that it expands over 1.5 times the original shaft diameter, holding the rivet in place. In other words, pounding creates a new “head” on the other end by smashing the “tail” material flatter, resulting in a rivet that is roughly a dumbbell shape. To distinguish between the two ends of the rivet, the original head is called the factory head and the deformed end is called the shop head or back-tail. 6) Hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners or touch fasteners (often referred the under the trademark Velcro®, consist of two components, typically, two lineal fabric strips which are attached (sewn or otherwise adhered) to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first component features tiny hooks, the second features smaller loops. When the two are pressed together the hooks catch in the loops and the two pieces fasten or bind temporarily.

Common Operation to the Present Invention

To operate the present invention with the steel spring strip incorporated within or into the insulating material, the bi-stable spring mechanism must be moved with a motion that causes it to collapse into a second round-like configuration or return to its original configuration. The concave surface on the second extension of the handle facilitates a change in configuration by allow pressing the steel spring strip incorporated within or onto the insulating material inward causes the change in configuration. In the closed configuration, the bi-stable spring mechanism creates enough force to maintain the beverage container holding apparatus without slippage.

First Embodiment of the Beverage Container Holder Device

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an individual 21 holding a multiple beverage container holding apparatus 22 embodiment showing the advantage of present invention showing in transporting and service multiple beverages in a restaurant, bar or other similar operation.

FIGS. 2a-2e show a beverage container holder device 26 having a handle portion 24 and a pair of retaining portions 30 a and 30 b that are used to affix the insulation material 28 to the handle portion 24. Affixed to or encapsulated within the insulation material apparatus is one or more bi-stable spring mechanisms which snap and wrap about the beverage container 40. As shown in FIG. 2b , a force (shown as an arrow) presses the beverage container 40 inward toward the concave cavity 25 whereby the insulation material apparatus 28 (sometimes known as a “(Koozie®)”) with one or more bi-stable spring mechanisms forcing a change in the configuration of the insulation material apparatus 28 with one or more bi-stable spring mechanisms. This allows the holder to hold onto a beverage container holder of any shape or size. The handle 24 is shaped to allow a user to be able to grasp multiple handles at a time such that the beverage containers would fan out allowing a user to carry multiple beverage containers at once. This would be ideal for servers of party situations. FIGS. 2a-2c show the beverage containing holder device with the insulation material apparatus and bi-stable spring mechanism in an open configuration and FIGS. 2d-2e show the beverage containing holder device with the insulation material apparatus and the bi-stable spring mechanism in a closed configuration 29. FIG. 3a shows in more detail the position one or more bi-stable spring mechanism 27 affixed to the back of an insulation material apparatus 28, and with a flexible fabric material 39 covering and hiding said bi-stable spring mechanisms. FIG. 3b show the handle mechanism 24 having two or more retaining tabs or hooks 34 a, 34 b for maintaining the position of elastic bands 32 a, 32 b.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show an improvement of the embodiments of beverage container holder. FIG. 4a shows an illustration of an individual hand positioned to use the multiple beverage enclosure holding embodiment of the present invention to use an engagement mechanisms 36 a-36 g to affix a series of beverage enclosure holding apparatuses. FIG. 4b shows an illustration of the multiple beverage enclosure holding embodiment of the present invention with the engagement hooks 36 a-36 g affix to form a central support where a closed wrist, palm and fingers 18 nest the series of beverage enclosure holding apparatuses together. FIG. 4c shows an illustration of the multiple beverage enclosure holding apparatus embodiment of the present invention showing a close-up view from underneath showing how the specific shape of the handles enables a series to nest together.

Second Embodiment of the Beverage Container Holder Device

FIG. 5a is a top perspective three-dimensional view of a second embodiment beverage container holder. It includes a central handle 52 and several beverage container baskets 54 a-54 f stemming out therefrom. The stemming portion 58 can be attached to the central handle 52 by several technology or preferably be molded as a single unit. FIG. 5b is a bottom perspective views thereof. FIG. 5b is a bottom illustration second embodiment of the present invention showing a permanent structure with specifically designed beverage container holders 54 a-54 f showing drainage ports or areas 62 a-62 f for easy cleaning. Other embodiments disclosed herein may form a similar central conglomerated handle portion by placing several handle elements in adjacent positions.

Third Embodiment of the Beverage Container Holder Device

FIG. 6a shows an illustration of the third embodiment of the present invention beverage enclosure holding handle 72 having a pair of slots 74 a and 74 b for holding and attaching the insulation material apparatus with bi-stable spring mechanism 28 to the handle having a concave enclosure receiving surface 76 with an optional shelf 78. FIG. 6b shows an illustration of the third embodiment of the present invention beverage enclosure holding handle 72 having a pair of slots 74 a and 74 b for holding and attaching the insulation material apparatus with bi-stable spring mechanism 28 to the handle having a concave enclosure receiving surface 76 with an optional shelf 78 in position to receive a beverage enclosure 40. FIG. 6c shows an illustration of the third embodiment of the present invention beverage enclosure holding handle 72 having a pair of slots 74 a and 74 b for holding and attaching the insulation material apparatus with bi-stable spring mechanism 28 to the handle having a concave enclosure receiving surface with an optional shelf in a closed configuration 20 encapsulated and holding a beverage container 40.

Fourth Embodiment Beverage Container Holder Device

FIG. 7a shows a rear illustration of the fourth embodiment of die present invention 80 with a handle 82 utilizing a bi-stable spring mechanisms 88 a and 88 b with an end portion using rivets or similar attachment means 90 a-90 d to engage the spring steel straps (slap-wrap) 88 a and 88 b affixed to or contained within the insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) 84. FIG. 7b is a front illustration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention utilizing a bi-stable spring mechanisms 88 a and 88 b with an end portion using rivets or similar attachment means 90 a-90 d to engage the spring steel straps (slap-wrap) 88 a and 88 b contain within the insulation material apparatus (Koozie®) 84. For a clear view of the attachment of the rivets 90 a-d to the metal strips 86 a-b. the insulation material apparatus ((Koozie®)) component is not depicted but would normally be permanently affixed to the spring steel strap material.

Fifth Embodiment Beverage Container Holder Device

FIG. 8a shows an illustration of the fifth embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration 29 encapsulated and holding a beverage container 40 and affixed with a permanent or removable belt clip 100. FIG. 8b shows another illustration of the fifth embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration 29 encapsulated and holding a beverage container 40 with the permanent or removable belt clip separated 100 from the beverage container 40 and showing recessed areas 104 and 106 for enclosing metal plates or magnets. The clip 100 has a spring 106 and a movable clip mechanism 102. FIG. 8c is an illustration of the fifth embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration 29 encapsulated and holding a beverage container with attached magnets or magnetically attractive metal plates 120. which may be riveted or screwed or otherwise bonded to the bi-stable spring mechanism integrated into the insulation material apparatus (Koozie®). Said magnets or metal plates act as receiving areas for a permanent or removable belt clip 100. FIG. 8d is an illustration of the filth embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration 29 encapsulated and holding a beverage container 40 with magnet affixing means for a permanent or removable belt clip with a support shelf 112. A belt clip can be magnetically or otherwise affixed to the wrap-around element and allows the beverage container holder to be clipped to surfaces, pockets, or other elements for easy holding.

FIG. 9a is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a screw mechanism for attaching to an appropriate structure, including but not limited to, a chair arm or table edge.

FIG. 10a is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container and affixed with a specifically designed wire handle mechanism. FIG. 10b is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention showing a closed configuration encapsulated and holding a beverage container and affixed with a specifically designed wire handle mechanism in folded closed configuration.

The skin of the insulation material apparatus could be made of a material capable of being written on with erasable marker pens to allow for easy identification of beverage containers at parties. A pen, marker or professional print screen could be connected within the handle for such purposes. Other means for identification could include individually unique colors and patterns printed on the (Koozie®)s or the handles or individualized badges that may be affixed to the (Koozie®) or handle or structures that can be shifted or oriented to produce unique positions, patterns or color swatches for easy identification.

It is be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects. 

We claim:
 1. A portable beverage container holder device comprising: a handle, said handle having a first extension portion designed to conform to an individual's hand: said handle having a second extension portion with an inwardly directed concave surface; an insulation material apparatus generally shaped in a configuration to partially encircle a beverage container, said insulation material apparatus having an inner surface and an outer surface, said insulation material apparatus having one or more bi-stable spring mechanisms enclosed within or attached to the inner or outer surface; said insulation material apparatus attached to said handle with an attachment means and said insulation material apparatus having an open configuration and a closed configuration.
 2. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment means comprises two or more retailing straps that encircle said insulating material.
 3. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment means further comprises two or more straps that maintain said two or more retaining straps in proper orientation.
 4. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment means comprises a two or more round or flat retaining straps that have at least one of a silicone, rubber and nylon bands that partially encircle said insulating material attach said insulating material to a handle.
 5. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment means encircles a convex surface on the second extension portion and attaches to the insulation material apparatus with two or more rivets or screw mechanisms.
 6. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment means comprises a clip mechanism that attaches to the insulation material apparatus with magnetic technology.
 7. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first extension portion of said handle comprises a wire or elongated metal structure that can be folded to collapse the wire or elongated handle.
 8. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first extension portion of said handle comprises includes a third extension that extends tangentially from the convex surface and includes a clamping mechanism.
 9. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first extension portion of said handle includes a handle attachment mechanism, said handle attachment mechanism designed to engage another handle such that a series of handles can be joined in a circular configuration with a plurality of handles with handle attachment mechanisms.
 10. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 1, wherein said insulating material can be print-screened or use other printing technology to display a name, slogan, company, or other advertising information.
 11. A portable beverage container holder device comprising: a handle, said handle having a first extension portion designed to conform to an individual's hand; said handle having a second extension portion with an inwardly directed concave surface; and an insulation material apparatus generally shaped in a configuration to partially encircle a beverage container, said insulation material apparatus having an inner surface and an outer surface, said insulation material apparatus having a pair of longitudinal shape slots, said insulation material having one or more bi-stable spring mechanisms enclosed within or attached to the inner or outer surface.
 12. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 11, wherein said attachment means comprises two or more retailing straps that encircle said insulation material apparatus.
 13. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 11, wherein said attachment means further comprises two or more straps that maintain said two or more retaining straps in proper orientation.
 14. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 11, wherein said attachment means comprises a two or more round or flat retaining straps that at least one of a silicone, rubber and nylon bands that partially encircle said insulating material.
 15. A portable beverage container holder device as recited in claim 11, wherein said insulating material can be print-screened or use other printing technology to display a name, slogan, company, or other advertising information.
 16. A portable beverage container holder device comprising: a plurality of handles, said plurality of bandies permanently attached to a central holding portion designed to conform to an individual's hand for a gripping action; said plurality of handles located circumferentially around said central holding portion; said plurality of handles having a top extension portion that permanently attaches a plurality of beverage holding containers; and said plurality of handles located circumferentially around said central holding portion has an open area where no handles are attached to the central holding portion to allow hand access to the central holding portion. 